For most people the diagnosis of cancer is a daunting reality. They have to deal with the diagnosis, treatment and hopefully a positive prognosis. Their reality has an affect on family and friends who share the roller coaster of emotions when the ups and downs of treatments followed by surgeries lead to change. The biggest being death.

For those who bear courage to have witnessed the ride, not as the passenger but the driver who helped family and friends endure the painful setbacks and learn how to process years of warring against this insidious disease… in the end, are words of sympathy and regret.

The lifeline that connected Ron to Rebecca provide a model for us all. For cancers common thread is a toll which steals life itself but it cannot bury their hearts nor the love they shared for one another.

This poem is dedicated to my friend Rebecca Foster in memory of her Ron.